Playlist:

playlist Go to the Love, Not Provoked (topic) playlist

Filter by Categories

Love

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

Love, as exemplified in the story of the lieutenant and the captain, demonstrates an unyielding commitment to others, even in the face of adversity. The lieutenant, despite the captain's harsh treatment, remained patient, kind, and loving, ultimately giving his life to save the captain. This act of agape love, defined as outgoing concern for others, was not rooted in emotion but in a deliberate choice to act rightly, showing that love is a decision of the will leading to selfless action. Love is not provoked; it does not cause trouble or exasperate others to anger or indignation. It endures patiently, maintaining a long mind that trials, adversities, or provocations cannot destroy. Love refuses to be hasty in anger or retort, standing firm in faith without giving up. It does not stir up conflict but seeks harmony, covering faults and forgiving offenses as a reflection of the great forgiveness extended to us by Jesus Christ. This fervent love, to be practiced continually, intently, and earnestly, calls us to stretch ourselves beyond personal differences or conditions. It is a sincere, unfeigned love, without hypocrisy, that prioritizes the brethren above all things. By loving in this manner, we set a right example, hide the sins of others, and become a light to the world, reflecting the mind of God. As we grow in this love, we align ourselves with the standard set by Jesus Christ, striving to live a life that mirrors His unconditional love for us.

No Real Love Without God

Sermon by John O. Reid

The world today is driven by satan's ways of greed, hatred, and self-seeking, but what it truly needs is the sweet love that reflects the true nature of mankind. This love, which brings peace, harmony, and fulfillment, is what we are called to embody and share with each other and those around us. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, imitating the very nature of the One who called us into His Family. God's love, defined as agape, is a willful direction toward mankind, doing what He knows is best for us, not merely what we desire. This love is an outgoing concern for others, characterized by benevolence, kindness, and generosity. It is both individual in its sympathy and vast in its philanthropic scope, aiming to elevate mankind to participate in the Kingdom of God. Love originates from God and reflects His Spirit in us. As we exhibit this love, we take on the nature of our Father, showing that we are born of Him. Those who do not reflect this love in their lives do not truly know God, regardless of their knowledge. The proof of God's love is evident in the world He has given us, in His patience, and most profoundly in sending His Son as a sacrifice for our reconciliation with Him, even when we were ignorant and resistant to His way. We perceive God's love through His act of laying down His life for us, and in like manner, we are called to lay down our lives for the brethren. By loving one another as God loves us, we perfect His love in us and grow in applying it toward others. This love, when perfected, casts out fear and gives us boldness to stand before Him, reflecting His nature in the world. We are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, submitting all our faculties to His will and devoting ourselves to glorify Him. This love is shown directly through obedience to His commandments, particularly the first four, which honor Him above all else and set boundaries for our lives. Additionally, we are to love our neighbor as ourselves, extending kindness and mercy to all, including enemies, without condoning sin but seeking their good even at personal cost. True love requires active belief, faith, trust, and obedience, drawing us close to God through prayer, fasting, and study. It produces a desire to live His way, appreciating the commandments as essential guidelines. If true love exists in the heart, it will be reflected in our way of living, showing that we belong to Him. Above all, we are to put on godly love, forgiving others as Christ forgave us, uniting all aspects of God's calling and opening our minds to emulate Him.

What Makes a True Disciple? (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by Clyde Finklea

Love is patient and kind. These are the only two characteristics Paul says love is, defining it positively. What follows is what love does not do.

By This Shall All Men Know You

Sermon by John O. Reid

A native practice involves leaving a young man on a remote island with only a bow and arrows until he learns to become a man, and God does something similar.

Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's holy law gives love its foundation, stability, and evenness, preventing it from degenerating into a sappy, sentimental feeling.

The Defense Against Offense

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The Bible states that offenses will come. Here are ways to handle offenses and keep minor irritations from growing into bitterness.

Blessed Are the Meek (2014)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In Paul's listings of virtues, meekness always appears near the end, reflecting its difficulty. Meekness is the gentle, quiet spirit of selfless devotion.

Anger (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Unrighteous anger, whether explosive or smoldering, can lead to high blood pressure, migraine headaches, or can ultimately lead to our spiritual demise.